JD Cagulangan signs with Suwon KT

Suwon KT has signed Philippine point guard JD Cagulangan, the team announced on Tuesday. Cagulangan recently led the University of the Philippines (UP) to its second UAAP title — one of the most prestigious collegiate basketball competitions in the Philippines — in three years and will join the Korean Basketball League (KBL) team as an Asian import player effective immediately.

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Knocking off reigning UAAP champions De La Salle, Cagulangan earned Finals MVP honors after averaging 13.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in the three-game championship series. During the regular season, the 5-foot-8 floor general averaged 11.8 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game, earning his first-ever Mythical Team selection — an award given to the five best players in the UAAP that season.

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But Cagulangan isn’t the only standout from Philippine college basketball heading to South Korea after the UAAP season. De La Salle star Kevin Quiambao, who finished as runner-up to Cagulangan and UP, will join the Goyang Sono Skygunners. While the two won’t face each other in the East Asia Super League (EASL), they will regularly compete against one another in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).

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Cagulangan joins Suwon KT as the team’s third Asian import with Filipino heritage. The Sonicboom previously featured Dave Ildefonso and Dalph Panopio, but both players have since left the organization. Ildefonso spent two seasons with KT before parting ways after the 2023-24 campaign, while Panopio was released ahead of the 2024-25 season.

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Over the past two weeks, Suwon KT has been actively revamping its roster. On Dec. 11, the Sonicboom signed new import Ismael Romero, and now they’ve added a strong guard in Cagulangan.

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Domestically, Suwon KT sits comfortably in fourth place in the KBL, well-positioned for a postseason spot. In EASL play, the team currently ranks third in Group A after a lopsided 100-64 loss to group leaders, the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots (P. LEAGUE+).

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Suwon KT's next EASL game is scheduled for Jan. 7, when it travels to face Hong Kong Eastern at Southorn Stadium. Tip-off is set for 8:10 p.m. CST.